The Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, was on
Thursday, impeached by members of the house.
This came as the new speaker Mr Sheriff Oborevwori promised to adhere to
the rules of House, saying that though he had become the first among
equals, he would accord every member his due respect.
Monday Igbuya removal at plenary presided by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Friday
Asanebi, was predicated on allegations of incompetence and unacceptable
leadership style by the lawmakers.
Igbuya, who represents Sapele constituency, was replaced by Mr Sheriff
Oborevwori, of Okpe constituency, who was immediately elected by the
members.
Motion for the impeachment of the speaker was unanimously adopted by all
22 members present at plenary after it was moved by Mr Johnson Erijo
(Isoko South II) and seconded by Peter Onwusanya (Oshimili South).
The remaining seven members, including the impeached speaker, of the
29-member assembly, were absent at the proceedings.
Moving the motion, Erijo said that the removal of Igbuya became necessary
following his incompetence, highhandedness and unacceptable leadership
style.
He added that for the assembly to move forward, a new speaker was needed
as the legislature was key to the growth of democracy and development of
the state.
The new speaker was nominated by Onwusanya and Mr Daniel Mayuku of Warri
South-West constituency. After his election, Oboriowori was immediately
sworn in by the Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Ocholor.
In his acceptance speech, Oborevwori promised to adhere to the rules of
House, saying that though he had become the first among equals, he would
accord every member his due respect.
He assured that he would not allow the integrity of the assembly to be
eroded, and called for support of members. Oborevwori immediately
announced the dissolution of all standing committees of the House.
The House also impeached the Majority Leader, Mr Tim Owhefere, and elected
Johnson Erijo as his replacement.
Owhefere’s removal followed a motion by Onwusanya and seconded by Mr
Peter Uviejitobor (Udu constituency).
After his election, the new majority leader immediately moved a motion
for the suspension of the impeached speaker and the majority leader for
three months. The motion, which was unanimously adopted, was seconded by
Mr Eric Oharisi (Ughelli North II).